The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families
This commemorative birth tray (desco da parto) celebrates the birth of Lorenzo de’ Medici (1449–1492), future ruler of Florence as well as a poet and patron of the arts. Knights extend their hands in allegiance to an allegorical figure of Fame, who holds a sword and winged cupid (symbolizing celebrity through arms and love). Painted by the younger brother of Masaccio, it was kept in Lorenzo’s private quarters in the Medici palace. The tradition of commissioning trays like this derived from the custom of presenting sweetmeats to the new mother.
(reverse of birth tray)
The armorial device here is that of Lorenzo de’ Medici’s father, Piero: a diamond ring with three ostrich feathers and a banderole with the motto "Semper" (forever). Piero married Lucrezia Tornabuoni in 1444 and their first son, Lorenzo, was born in 1449; the two families’ coats of arms are at the top.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families
- Artist: Giovanni di ser Giovanni Guidi (called Scheggia) (Italian, San Giovanni Valdarno 1406–1486 Florence)
- Date: ca. 1449
- Medium: Tempera, silver, and gold on wood
- Dimensions: Overall, with engaged frame, diameter 36 1/2 in. (92.7 cm); recto, painted surface, diameter 24 5/8 in. (62.5 cm); verso, painted surface, diameter 29 5/8 in. (75.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase in memory of Sir John Pope-Hennessy: Rogers Fund, The Annenberg Foundation, Drue Heinz Foundation, Annette de la Renta, Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Richardson, and The Vincent Astor Foundation Gifts, Wrightsman and Gwynne Andrews Funds, special funds, and Gift of the children of Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Logan, and other gifts and bequests, by exchange, 1995
- Object Number: 1995.7
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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5219. The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families, Part 1
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